14 Day Waterfalls & Wine of Brazil & Argentina

Day of Pantanal Exploration

Today and for the next two days, enjoy at your leisure the exciting adventures and facilities available to you at the Caiman Lodge led by skilled and knowledgeable guides - a true sanctuary in the wilderness. These experiences are to be done in small groups with other like-minded lodge guests.

- Embark on exhilarating dawn and dusk safaris, led by expert naturalists, to spot the Pantanal's iconic inhabitants. Marvel at the grace of jaguars, the agility of capybaras, and the vibrant plumage of countless bird species. Caiman Lodge is renowned for its jaguar conservation efforts, making it one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of these elusive big cats (cost included).

- Glide silently through the intricate web of waterways that crisscross the Pantanal. Canoeing and boat tours offer a unique perspective on the landscape, allowing guests to get up close to caimans, giant otters, and a dazzling array of waterfowl (cost included).

- As darkness descends, the Pantanal awakens with nocturnal activity. Join night safaris to witness the hidden world of owls, nightjars, and even elusive anteaters, all under the mesmerizing canvas of starry skies (cost included).

- Discover the Pantanal's vast grasslands from a different vantage point – atop a sturdy horse. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves echoes through the landscape as you explore diverse ecosystems and encounter wildlife in their natural habitats (additional charge).

- With over 650 bird species in the Pantanal, this haven is a birdwatcher's paradise. Experienced guides will help you spot brilliantly colored macaws, toucans, and the elusive hyacinth macaw, among many others (additional charge).

- Beyond thrilling encounters, Caiman Lodge offers enlightening opportunities to learn about conservation and the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. Visitors can engage with researchers and participate in wildlife monitoring programs.

- End your days with a serene session of stargazing. The Pantanal's remote location provides minimal light pollution, making it a prime spot for celestial observations.

- Between adventures, unwind by the pool, savor delicious regional cuisine, and swap stories with fellow travelers in the lodge's welcoming communal spaces.

Caiman Lodge in the Pantanal beckons nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and wildlife lovers to experience the untamed beauty of this remarkable region. It's an immersive journey into a world where every day brings new encounters with the wonders of the Pantanal, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace, making further use of the facilities at your accommodation and the expertly guided excursions they have on offer.

Enjoy all three meals today at your property.

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace, making further use of the facilities at your accommodation and the expertly guided excursions they have on offer.

Enjoy all three meals today at your property.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight to Argentina.

Fly domestically from Campo Grande to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport.

Welcome to Iguazu Falls! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Iguazu Falls - A Brazilian Perspective

Embark on a captivating journey as you join your private guide after a delicious breakfast to explore the magnificent Brazilian side of the falls. Located on the western side of Paraná State in Brazil, the Brazilian Falls form a part of the sprawling 185,000-hectare (458,000-acre) Brazilian park, which borders the Argentinean National Park. Together, these two parks create one of the largest natural protected areas in South America, showcasing the region's incredible biodiversity and awe-inspiring landscapes.

To access the lookout circuits and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the falls, you'll board one of the modern panoramic view buses, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey within the park. The lookout catwalk stretches an impressive 1,200 meters (0.8 miles), offering mesmerizing panoramic vistas of the 275 magnificent waterfalls. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer power and majesty of nature as you witness the breathtaking spectacle of the four main rapids on the Brazilian side: Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamín Constant, and Salto Unión, also known as The Devil's Throat.

Iguazu Falls - Up Close and Personal in Argentina

Set out with your private guide today to explore the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls. The visit to the Iguazu National Park can be done via 3 circuits and on catwalks, best known as Lower Path, Higher path and the Devil´s Throat Path.

The Lower Path is a 1,200-metre-walk (0.8 miles) that gives a great view of the majority of the rapids and falls from a front and lower point of view. The views range from a bird’s eye point of view of The Devil’s Throat together with several Brazilian rapids, to spectacular close-ups of other falls. This walk has some high difficulty level due to the number of steps along the way. (Approximate duration: 2 hours).

The Higher Path is a 1,300-metre-walk (0.9 miles) that will raise every visitor´s adrenaline level because of the vertigo of being at the edge of some waterfalls. This walk has breathtaking sceneries from a cliff-point outlook and this is the less effort demanding walk of the three traditional ones. No steps along the way. (Approximate duration: 1 hour).

The Devil’s Throat has to be accessed via the Ecological Jungle Train. From there, stroll along the catwalk which is a winding path that goes around the islands for 1,100 meters (0.7 miles) and ends in the large balconies located on the edge of falls. There are no steps along the path. (Approximate duration: 2 hours).

Your guide will be on hand throughout the day to provide local knowledge of the falls as well as the surrounding flora and fauna.

Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon to relax after an exhilarating day.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you across the border into Iguazu Falls, Argentina and to the airport for your departing flight to Mendoza.

Board your self-arranged flight from Iguazu Falls to Mendoza.

Maipu Exploration

Welcome to Mendoza! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Maipu region for touring before being delivered to the Lujan de Cuyo region.

En route to your hotel, we visit the region of Maipu, where Argentina’s original wine boom happened at the end of the 19th century. First we visit the Boutique operation AMP Cava Alandes, operated by renowned winemaker Karim Mussi Saffie. Here we try their premium labels.

Lunch today will be served at El Enemigo, a boutique winery and restaurant owned by Alejandro Vigil, the head winemaker at Catena Zapata. Here we enjoy a four-course lunch in the unconventional, somewhat bohemian setting of Mendoza’s most famous young winemaker.

Following this delightful welcome lunch to Mendoza, you'll be taken to your accommodation in the Lujan de Cuyo to check in and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Lujan de Cuyo

Nestled in the heart of Mendoza, the picturesque Lujan de Cuyo is the premier wine growing region in Argentina. This area is characterized by its breathtaking vineyards, majestic mountains, and idyllic landscapes. Lujan de Cuyo is particularly famous for its production of Malbec, with vineyards dating back to the 19th century.

Luján de Cuyo Exploration

Meet your guide after breakfast this morning and set out together to explore the Luján de Cuyo sub-region.

To begin your day, you will be welcomed to Bodega Matervini, or similar. Matervini is Santiago Achaval and Roberto Cipresso’s new project which explores the diverse geologies of the Pre –cordillera obtaining a variety of wines with unique personality. It was born in 2008, in an attempt to answer the question “what’s next after Malbec?” Their answer was, “More Malbec! From different places, with different personalities.” This venture shows how very different wines from completely different terroirs can be born from the same grape variety. Achaval is famous as the first Argentine winemaker to score 97+ wines with Wine Advocate.

Continue on for a delightful visit and tasting at a winery such as Altavista. Although a young company, the building that houses this winery dates from the late nineteenth century. Its owners, French nationals, have wineries in both France and Hungary. Altavista believes in the expression of its terroir: each land has different natural conditions that help the grape manifest itself differently even though we are talking about the same variety.

Your third and final visit today will be to Bodega Lagarde or another esteemed winery for a visit and lunch today. With the first vine planted in 1897, Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in the Mendoza region with Malbec vines over 100 years old. Having only two owner families in its history, Lagarde was acquired by the Pescarmona family in 1969. Today the winery is run by sisters Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona, third generation of the winemaking family. Here you will be able to enjoy a food and wine pairing with multiple courses in a beautiful, garden restaurant surrounded by century old Malbec vines. With a new menu designed each season by the Chef, enjoy a unique culinary experience through the use of local cooking techniques of flame and adobe ovens.

Following this memorable lunch, you'll be taken back to your accommodation to check-in and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Lujan Hot Springs

At noon, your driver will meet you at your hotel and bring you to a wonderful lunch followed by ultimate relaxation in a remarkable setting.

We'll begin with a tasting menu lunch at Familia Durigutti. Their wines are made by brothers Hector and Pablo Durigutti. Hector first became known for his work with Altos Las Hormigas and the brothers have now set up this wonderful property. Today the brothers have evolved to form the new generation of winemakers, leading an evolutionary change in Argentina’s viticulture.

Following lunch, it is time to relax and unwind. Termas de Cacheuta Springs offers massages and tranquility next to the Mendoza River overlooking breathtaking mountains. There are more than 10 stone pools with different hydrotherapies in 100% natural thermal water. Each one has different temperatures, between 20 and 43°C, and the Mud Therapy and the Grotto (natural steam room) complement each other to make this afternoon an unforgettable program. Additional Massages or Massotherapy can be added as you wish (to be paid at directly at Termas de Cacheuta).

You will be returned to your hotel at the end of the day, relaxed and content.

This morning, enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel for a day of touring en route to the Uco Valley.

Combine a mountain excursion with a wine tour by going to Uco Valley via the Carrera Valley, in the Cordon de Plata Sierra. Today, we'll take the scenic route to Cacheuta and Potrerillos Dam, a turquoise lake that harnesses the waters of the Rio Mendoza. We then ascend through a series of switchbacks, passing the mountain town of El Salto and eventually through Carril La Carrera, one of Mendoza’s best kept secrets. This green verdant valley is in stark contrast to Mendoza’s ubiquitous desert hinterland and offers spectacular views of the Silver Mountain range.

We then descend into the Uco Valley and arrive at Bodega Masi for a visit and tasting. This modern, Italian owned winery is making high altitude Malbec and specializes in Amarone style wines. Lunch is at Bodega Andeluna, located close to the town of Tupungato. This mid-size winery has a warm, welcoming restaurant designed in traditional Old World style. Here we try an exquisite 4-course lunch paired with 4 wines that include the top wine Pasionado.

You'll be dropped off at your new accommodation in the late afternoon to enjoy an evening at leisure.

Uco Valley

Uco Valley has both altitude and attitude and is certainly one of the most interesting and stunning areas to enjoy a wine tour in Mendoza. Situated in the foothills of the snow-capped Andes, dotted with blue lakes and rolling vineyards, this new frontier in Argentine winemaking is attracting winemakers from all over the world. State of the art technology and gold medal terroir means the wine from this area is the future of Argentine wine.

After breakfast this morning, set out with your guide for a day of visits and tastings in the Uco Valley.

Begin this morning at Bodega Familia Zaina, established in the Uco Valley for over a hundred years. Having barely arrived from Italy, linked to pioneer families in Argentine viticulture, they dedicated themselves to the cultivation of the vine and winemaking. After selling the family winery in the 1990s, the new generation resumed the production of wines with their own labels with the launch in 2014 of "Tarot Series".

We continue into the valley and arrive at Corazon del Sol for a visit and tasting. This modern, boutique winery crafts captivating Malbec and Grenache-based wines that capture the best of Argentina’s unique, high altitude terroir. After success in both Napa Valley (Revana Family Vineyard) and the Willamette Valley (Alexana Vineyards and Winery), Dr. Madaiah Revana sought to extend his portfolio of terroir driven, vineyard specific wines to the southern hemisphere and established Corazon del Sol in 2008.

We conclude the day with a visit and lunch at Alfa Crux, a Canadian investment, owned by the Agostino brothers. From the beginning, it draws your attention to the architectural style of the building, almost a space vehicle. The winery besides the originality in style, is very functional since it uses gravity to make wine: the process begins on the upper floor with the reception of grapes and ends up in the basement of the winery, where the wine is taken to the oak barrels.

Following this tasting, you will be returned to your accommodation to enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore at your own pace. Or simply relax and make use of the facilities at your accommodations.

Check out this morning and say a fond farewell to Argentina. You will be met by your private driver and transferred to the Airport to catch your departing flight.